Holiday Happenings: ‘Christmas in Polynesia,’ ‘Nutcracker,’ more

SPOTLIGHT

Polynesian Cultural Center’s “Christmas in Polynesia,” experience a “Pacific Island Wonderland” aboard a canoe as it steers through a live production of “The Littlest Star” with elaborate Christmas lights, decorations and musical performances. Rides begin 6:30 p.m. $8-$10; free for ages 4 and under. Bring a canned-good donation for the Hawaii FoodBank and receive a $2 discount through Dec. 15 (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays), 55-370 Kamehameha Highway. 293-3333, polynesia.com

Santa’s arrival in Waikiki, gather on Waikiki Beach fronting the hotel as Santa arrives in an outrigger canoe powered by Waikiki beachboys and is greeted by a keiki hula halau, 9 a.m. Saturday, Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. Complimentary photo-taking with Santa to follow in the hotel lobby. Free. goo.gl/yny8R

Manoa Valley Theatre’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” the holiday classic is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience, 7:30 p.m. today through Sunday, 2833 E. Manoa Road. $20, $10 for ages 25 and under. 988-6131, manoavalleytheatre.com.

“Believe in Santa,” The Sounds of Aloha Chorus presents a Christmas musical comedy for the family, 3 p.m. Sunday at Paliku Theatre and Dec. 15 at Salvation Army Kroc Theatre. $20, $5 for ages 12 and under. 262-7664, soundsofaloha.org

“12 Gifts of Christmas,” celebrate the meaning, music and magic of the Christmas season with the rest of the nation through this one-night cinematic event featuring storytellers, comedian Anita Renfrow, illusionist Harris III and musical performances by Steven Curtis Chapman and Laura Story, with host Lisa Whelchel, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dole Cannery 18 with IMAX. $15. FathomEvents.com